African Journal of Empirical Research最新文献

{"title":"The Hegemony of South Africa and the Free Movement of Persons in SADC: Challenges and Perspectives","authors":"Tebogo Kegomoditswe Mapogo","doi":"10.51867/ajernet.5.1.5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.5.1.5","url":null,"abstract":"The free movement of persons faces many challenges in the SADC region. Currently, there is no solid regional framework that governs it. As a result, it is managed by several varying bilateral agreements between the member states.  This study aims to evaluate the impact the hegemony of South Africa has on the free movement of persons in the SADC region.  The specific objectives of the study were to examine the effect the hegemony of South Africa has on visa openness in the SADC region, to describe the hegemony of South Africa in relation to ratification of the protocol on the facilitation of movement of persons in the SADC region, and finally to evaluate the influence the hegemony of South Africa has on border procedures in the SADC region. The qualitative research method was undertaken in pursuit of fulfilling the study objectives. The data for this study was collected from a selection of official statistics, technical reports, and scholarly journals.  The findings of the study suggest that the hegemony of South Africa has greatly contributed and shaped the status of the free movement of persons in the region. South Africa has negotiated itself into favourable positions with its fellow SADC member states that have placed them at an advantage. South Africa benefits from favourable visa openness and border procedures. It’s contribution in influencing the Protocol on the Facilitation of Movement of Persons has resulted in it being among the countries that have ratified the protocol which has more relaxed provisions.  The study recommends harmonised free movement agreements that have a more regional outlook and an approach to the free movement of persons that has a bearing that is not centred around security and negative perceptions.","PeriodicalId":360060,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Empirical Research","volume":" 17","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139624554","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Challenges and Lessons Learned from Counter Terrorism Strategies in Kenya","authors":"Mutinda Mutisya","doi":"10.51867/ajernet.5.1.22","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.5.1.22","url":null,"abstract":"The changing nature of terrorism activities both in the developed and developing countries makes it imperative to fully tackle this problem. Fears of advancement in weapons by terrorists to chemical, biological and nuclear weapons continue to be on the rise. As such, despite formulation of numerous strategies, the states and regions remain vulnerable to future terrorist attacks. The objective of this study to explore the challenges encountered in counter terrorism strategies employed in Kenya. The study employed a desktop review and thematic analysis to provide a multi-dimensional exploration of the challenges confronting Kenya's efforts to counter terrorism. This approach not only contextualized the current state of counter-terrorism within the nation but also contributed to a more holistic comprehension of the intricate dynamics involved. The study revealed that the respondents encounter challenges in the fight against terrorism in Kenya. The study also found that the most faced challenge was inadequate training and inadequate funding in the security organizations. These tend to act as a limit barrier in not only acquiring but also utilizing modern terrorism equipment. However, unclear definition of law was the least experienced challenge showing that there were no legal barriers in the implementation of the counter terrorism strategies. The study recommends that the security agents should put measures to ensure increased public participation in countering terrorism. Additionally, the study recommends audit and scrutiny of the security agencies so as to ensure that they are well capable and trained for their respective positions.","PeriodicalId":360060,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Empirical Research","volume":"104 3 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140509669","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Political and Socio-Economic Ramifications of the Armed Conflict in Côte d'Ivoire 2002-2011","authors":"David Suaka Yaro, D. D. Kipo-Sunyehzi","doi":"10.51867/ajernet.5.1.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.5.1.1","url":null,"abstract":"This article analyses the political, social, and economic factors that contributed to the Ivorian crisis-armed conflict and the ramifications of the conflict from 2002-2011 on Ivorians. It applies Adam Przeworski's eclectic political theory as the analytical framework. The study utilized a qualitative research design and data was obtained from key informants from the following three regions: Abidjan, Bouake, and Odienne. Varied participants were purposively selected and interviewed from various areas: academia, and Foreign Service including diplomats, politicians, civil servants, teachers, traders, university students, and refugees ensuring diverse perspectives. The findings revealed that the armed conflict affected the political, religious/cultural, social, and economic lives and the cohesion of the Ivorian people. Also, the armed conflict retarded the progress of the country and created a sense of distrust, disunity, and discrimination. The conflict hurt the health of the Ivorians, especially HIV/AIDS patients and the entire people's access to health facilities.","PeriodicalId":360060,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Empirical Research","volume":"73 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139125087","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring Sustainable Public Transport System for the Provision of Quality Education Services in Public Universities: A Situational Analysis","authors":"Ombeni Msuya","doi":"10.51867/ajernet.5.1.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.5.1.2","url":null,"abstract":"This study was conducted to explore the experience of university community regarding the use of available public transport in public universities in Tanzania. The study intended to explore the common transport systems used within the public universities; the risks and challenges of using the available transport systems in execution of day-to-day core functions of the university; and lastly, the effective and efficient transport systems in promoting the teaching and learning process in public universities. A cross-sectional survey design with mixed research approaches was employed. Probability and non-probability sampling techniques were used to get a total sample of 125 respondents from public universities in Tanzania. Data were collected by using self-administered semi-structured questionnaires and in-depth interview. The findings revealed that common transport systems used within the campuses included motorcycle hire, commuter buses, walking, bicycle hire, private bicycle, private motorcycle, university buses, bajaji (rickshaws) hire, and taxi cabs. Moreover, the study revealed that the risks and challenges of using the current transport system within the university campuses included time consuming, costly, and getting late to classes, accident, tiredness, and theft. Furthermore, the study revealed that the effective and efficient transport system within university campuses included the commuter buses, motorcycle hire, private motorcycle, walking, and private cars. The study recommends establishing an internal transportation pool which will be able to offer sustainable, reliable, effective and efficient transportation means within the university. Understanding the campus impediments may help universities design more attractive and useful transport facilities.  The current study will inform the university management about the need to promote bicycling and walking which are ecological friendly; improve social interactions; as well as spur physical well-being among the students, staff and university community.","PeriodicalId":360060,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Empirical Research","volume":"42 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139125258","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Competence-Based Assessment Strategies Applied By Teachers in English Subject: Case of Selected Lower Secondary Schools in Rulindo District, Rwanda","authors":"Eustache Hagenimana, Philothère Ntawiha, Cyprien Tabaro, J. L. Buhigiro","doi":"10.51867/ajernet.4.2.136","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.4.2.136","url":null,"abstract":"Teaching and assessment are two intertwined aspects in learning, and teaching can’t be separated from assessment. Since the introduction of Competence-Based curriculum, Competence-Based Assessment standards were also elaborated to ensure effective assessment. At lower secondary school, English subject is one among other subjects that students undertake. The purpose of this research was to find out what Competence-Based Assessment strategies teachers apply while teaching English subject. The following two specific objectives guided this research: (i) to identify Competence-Based Assessment strategies used by teachers in English subject, and (ii) how teachers incorporate Bloom’s taxonomy levels of assessment in classroom. It was carried out in 9 selected schools in Rulindo district and comprises 17 teachers of English out of 31 who were selected based on the fact that they teach English in lower secondary school. It was qualitative in nature and used classroom observation and interview methods to gather information. Data was collected using a classroom observation checklist and an interview guide. Data was grouped into themes and analysed narratively. Findings revealed that teachers mostly apply clarifying questioning strategy during Competence –Based assessment. It was also realised that most of the assessment are limited to the lower levels of thinking and only few questions are set to assess higher levels of thinking. The study recommends that teachers should vary assessment strategies while assessing students and ensure all levels of thinking are assessed.","PeriodicalId":360060,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Empirical Research","volume":" 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139140836","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Business Environmental Forces and Competitive Advantage: An Empirical Study of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions Facilities in Kenya","authors":"Viola Owiyo, Jonathan M. Mulwa, J. Thuo","doi":"10.51867/ajernet.4.2.135","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.4.2.135","url":null,"abstract":"Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector is one of the main contributors of competitiveness across cities and countries. Geographically, Kenya’s vantage position places it as the gateway to East and Central Africa and this has been strengthened by its thriving economy. The MICE sector is considered an economic pillar that boosts the targets envisioned in the Kenya Vision 2030 blueprint. The promotion of the sector through regional markets and appointment of promotional agents for MICE products and services, establishment of a website for promoting services offered in classified MICE facilities, taking part in domestic and international trade fairs, developing marketing resources and monitoring projections on tourist visitations have been undertaken by Kenya Tourism Board. Also, in an effort to expand the sector, 68 international branded hotels were launched in 2019 with an additional 27 expected to penetrate the market by 2024. Despite these initiatives, in the year 2019 MICE sector recorded an insignificant 0.2% increase in revenue, while leisure industry accrued 63.15% in revenue generation. Still in the year 2020, leisure industry accrued revenue of up to 71.56% compared to 0.33% in MICE sector. The gap in proactive marketing of the sector, coupled with bidding and inaccessibility of basic information on the availability of facilities continue to pose a challenge to the expansion of the sector. This research sought to examine the influence that business environmental forces have on competitive advantage of MICE facilities in Kenya, from the lens of Porters Five Forces model of competitive position. The research used explanatory research design anchored on positivist philosophical paradigm. Purposive sampling method was employed and a sample size of 107 drawn from a target population of 496 MICE facilities. Closed-ended questionnaires were utilized during data collection, with key respondents being marketing managers. Data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. From the analysis, it was established that business environmental forces have a significant direct effect on competitive advantage (β=0.443, p-value <0.05) an indication that MICE facilities are influenced by business environmental forces.","PeriodicalId":360060,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Empirical Research","volume":"21 3‐4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139149401","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Trend of Peri-Urban Land Use Change in Small and Medium Sized Urban Areas. A Case of Kimilili Town, Bungoma County, Kenya","authors":"James Kwemoi Kimtai, J. W. Mabonga, Nalyanya Wasike","doi":"10.51867/ajernet.4.2.134","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.4.2.134","url":null,"abstract":"The purpose of this study was to determine patterns in land use change in Kimilili peri-urban areas between 1990 and 2020. We got Landsat data for the years 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020 from the USGS website. Arc GIS version 10 and ERDAS Imagine version 2018 were used for digital image processing and GIS analysis. Imageries for the following land use groups were obtained using supervised classification using the Maximum Likelihood classification algorithm: built-up area, agricultural land, dense vegetation, and bare terrain. Ground truthing was done in order to get the required reference information. An accuracy assessment was conducted using Google maps at various periods of the year for the LULC maps from 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020. Change detection analysis was used to carry out land use conversions between the research intervals. The land use types were categorized based on their respective areas, measured in hectares. Over a 30-year period, a notable 16.6% growth in built-up area was seen overall. Additional findings revealed a 16.7% decrease in agricultural land. According to the study, there were notable changes in land usage between 1990 and 2020. Enforcing management standards is necessary in order to maintain control over urban expansion.","PeriodicalId":360060,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Empirical Research","volume":"597 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139160373","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"COMESA Customs Union Commitments and the Impact on Kenya: Using the Wits-Smart Simulation Model","authors":"Edwin Jairus Simiyu, Mark Murithi Kimathi","doi":"10.51867/ajernet.4.2.133","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.4.2.133","url":null,"abstract":"This research article included quantitative estimations of the likely outcomes of the welfare effects, trade diversion effects, changes in export and import quantities, revenue effects, and trade creation effects resulting from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa Customs Unions Commitments (COMESA CU). Kenya was used as the case study in this research project, which utilized the Software for Market Analysis and Restrictions on Trade (SMART) and Pan-Euro-Mediterranean tools (PEM). The World Integrated Trade Solution (WITS)/SMART software has access to the most recent data on Kenya and uses databases and records of trade-related information, including those maintained by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Common Format for Transient Data Exchange for Power Systems (COMTRADE), and the Transportation Reporting and Accounting Information System (TRAINS). The results of the analyses show that COMESA CU has no indication of trade diversion and had a trade-creation impact of US$310.50 million. Further analysis revealed that the COMESA CU procedure is expected to record losses in the amount of US$327 million. Additionally, a US$56.27 million consumer welfare effect was projected for COMESA CU. Imports increased by 2.8% at COMESA CU, but exports fell. The research recommends that export-boosting actions be taken, including bolstering export processing zones, offering export subsidies, developing supply-side infrastructure, offering trade financing, and enhancing export-supporting institutions. Kenya and other developing countries now have the ability to implement policies that will make sure they benefit the most from the various regional trade agreements, thanks to the findings of this study.","PeriodicalId":360060,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Empirical Research","volume":"2014 34","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139160104","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dynamics of Marketing Communication Platforms Used by Farmers to Access Information on Agriculture in Kakamega County, Kenya","authors":"Geoffrey Juma Lumbasi, Lydia Anyonje, Jacob. W. Wakhungu","doi":"10.51867/ajernet.4.2.132","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.4.2.132","url":null,"abstract":"Agriculture is fundamental to Kenya’s development as anchored in the in the Bottom-Up Economic blue print and Vision 2030. Despite the increasing promotional attempts by marketers, manufacturers and even government agencies, agricultural production is marred by low outputs, low uptake of farm inputs such as fertilizer, quality seeds, equipment, chemicals, and reluctance in adopting new agricultural innovations. The presence of various marketing communication approaches, several information platforms, and financial incentives to the clientele notwithstanding, the uptake of farm inputs is still very low. The objective of this study was to describe the dynamics of integrated marketing communication platforms that are used by farmers in accessing information on agriculture. The Uses and Gratifications Theory by Katz, Blumler, and Gurevitch was adopted because of its ability to examine diverse media and communication channel preferences among audiences. The theory advances the use of alterative media platforms where traditional ones are not effective. The researcher relied on Mixed-methods in actualizing the study. Simple random sampling was used to get 259 farmers, while purposive sampling was used to select Agricultural Society of Kenya officials and agricultural extension officers. Six agro-dealers were randomly selected while quota sampling was used to get media personnel. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used in analysis and organization of results. Findings were presented descriptively and complemented by graphs, tables, percentages, and charts. This enabled the researcher to draw inferences that later informed the conclusions of the study which indicate that participants had access to multiple marketing communication platforms that they relied upon to access information on agriculture. The channels included both traditional and new media platforms such as radio, TV, SMS, interpersonal communication, and public barazas, which were effective in sharing information on agriculture. The study recommended the following; embracement of targeted marketing; empowerment of Agricultural field officers and increase collaborations with vibrant agricultural organizations; make use of integrated communication platforms that meet regional needs; utilization of social media to advertise; and finally, embrace continuous provision of agricultural information at all times.","PeriodicalId":360060,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Empirical Research","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139202179","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Initiatives for Enforcing the Quality Assurance Standards in Fostering Universities’ Compliance in Tanzania","authors":"Daudi Mrema, Irénée Ndayambaje, Philothère Ntawiha, Eugene Ndabaga","doi":"10.51867/ajernet.4.2.131","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.4.2.131","url":null,"abstract":"The world university system currently emphasizes strict compliance with established quality assurance standards for enhancing graduates' quality and academic capabilities. In that vein, compliance with university quality assurance standards across the globe requires critical consideration of the adequate and correct application of initiatives for enforcing such standards. Similar to other countries, Tanzania has some initiatives for enforcing its universities’ quality assurance standards. Despite the application of such initiatives, the country is witnessing low to extreme non-compliance cases each year. This study examined the application of initiatives for enforcing quality assurance standards in fostering universities' compliance in Tanzania. It was informed by the qualitative approach and adopting a case study design. Interviews, documentary analysis, and focus group discussion were data collection methods applied in the four universities involving 46 respondents that were purposively chosen. The data analysis was done through a content analysis approach. The analysis revealed that both technical and administrative enforcement initiatives were found to be applied in universities. The technical initiatives are monitoring and evaluation for teaching, examination moderation and strict invigilation, independent examination, self-assessment and academic audits, and accreditation, while administrative ones are improving quality assurance staff motivation and capacity, promoting quality assurance stakeholders’ involvement, and establishing an effective quality assurance leadership system. In applying such initiatives, the deficiencies (i.e., incorrect and inadequate applications), strengths, differences and similarities were found across the involved universities. Besides, very unsatisfactory applications of enforcement initiatives were found in private universities compared to public ones. Due to such unsatisfactory applications, non-compliance cases at various university stakeholders' levels exist in those universities. This study concludes that the existing university non-compliance cases in Tanzania are attributed to the existing inadequate and incorrect application of enforcement initiatives. It recommends that there is a need for the Tanzania Commission for Universities to issue more detailed guidelines to harmonize the application of some enforcement initiatives that have attracted different application practices across universities. Besides, the Tanzania Commission for Universities and university quality assurance agencies must take the strongest punitive measures against non-complying individuals and universities to discourage such behavior.","PeriodicalId":360060,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Empirical Research","volume":"77 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139205400","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}